---

  The surface of the pool rippled as a head broke through the water. A tall, blonde bombshell immediately stepped forward with a towel in hand.

  Fwoosh—

  Non emerged from the pool, water cascading down his well-defined muscles. His sculpted physique made nearby women gnce repeatedly, their eyes lingering shamelessly.

  Lying on a sun lounger nearby, Kue let out an impressed whistle. "You sure you're not a supermodel? With that body, you'd never be broke again."

  Non shot him a look. "Shut up. Tell the others to clear out."

  Kue waved dismissively, and the poolside cleared out swiftly.

  "I'm heading out," Non said, reclining next to Kue. "Break's over."

  A full week had passed since their escape. They'd rested enough. It was time to get back to business.

  "You sure you want to go alone? I could tag along," Kue offered. "From what you told me, that guy's no pushover."

  Their partnership had deepened over the past week mutual survival bred camaraderie.

  "No need," Non said. "You've already assembled the squad for me. If I can't handle it with that, I'm worthless."

  "You stay here. Keep digging into those profiles I asked for. And stay sharp HYDRA won't be far behind."

  Kue narrowed his eyes. "What are you even after with these people?"

  "I want to study them," Non replied with a grin. "They've got power. Real power. Don't you think that's worth researching?"

  "You're the one who needs researching," Kue muttered. "You're out here poking monsters just to study them. You're not afraid of dying?"

  "Doesn't matter. Just do what I say," Non said. "If Hammer Industries has archived any data on the miniaturized arc reactor, we can finally complete our exosuit army."

  "You really think Hammer had the tech?" Kue scoffed. "If they did, Stark's energy monopoly wouldn't be a thing."

  "Because Hammer is a clown," Non shrugged, rising to his feet. "We'll y low here for now. HYDRA won't dare move too boldly in this territory. Once we're strong enough, they won't matter."

  "Understood."

  "And don't trust Killmonger," Non added. "Test him a few more times you'll see. He just wants your help to win T'Chal's trust. And let's face it, Wakandans don't think straight."

  Kue watched Non's retreating back, a flicker of awe in his eyes. "You're a damn monster, Non..."

  ---

  One Day Later

  Two jeeps rolled into a quiet mountain town.

  According to HYDRA's intel, this was the st known location of Logan.

  And based on what Non remembered from the movies, Wolverine had indeed once id low in a pce like this.

  The sight of the armed convoy quickly caught the town's attention. Nestled at the foot of the mountain, it was a tight-knit pce where strangers, especially armed ones, were rare.

  Non stepped out, vibranium shield slung across his back. The rest of the tactical squad followed, decked out in bulletproof vests and carrying advanced gear.

  The town was tiny just a few streets and shops. Locals stared warily.

  "Start questioning them," Non ordered.

  "Yes, sir."

  The team dispersed.

  Before long, reports crackled over Non's earpiece no sign of Logan.

  Non frowned. 'Did he already go to Japan?'

  "Boss, we've found a poacher camp..."

  'Poachers?'

  Non's eyes lit up.

  In The Wolverine, Logan cshed with poachers after they poisoned his grizzly bear friend. That confrontation ultimately drove him to Japan.

  "We didn't find him but we did catch five poachers," the voice said.

  "Bring them in."

  Gunshots and shouting rang out in the distance, but the skirmish ended quickly.

  Five rough-looking men were dragged into view and kicked down at Non's feet by a soldier named Ander.

  The lead poacher gred up. "What the hell do you want with us?"

  Non studied the rugged, bearded man definitely Scandinavian.

  "What are you doing here?" he asked coldly.

  "I..."

  Bang!

  Non casually took a pistol from a nearby soldier and shot the man in the thigh. The scream pierced the mountain air.

  Tossing the weapon back, Non said ftly, "Answer my questions, or next time it won't be your leg."

  "We're hunting!" one of the others blurted out.

  "What kind of prey?"

  "We heard there's a grey bear up in the mountains. Wanted to bag it and sell the pelt!"

  Non's eyes narrowed. Bingo.

  That grizzly was Logan's only friend during his seclusion until it was poisoned by hunters, triggering his rage.

  Thanks to his [Master of Research] ability, Non could recall every detail from films and comics with perfect crity.

  The pieces were falling into pce.

  "Get up," Non said with a grin. "I've got a business proposal for you boys."

  ---

  Days Later – A Stormy Night

  Heavy rain shed the mountainside.

  A group of armed men hiked through the woods, weapons at the ready. Their leader, Eddie, limped slightly as he pushed forward.

  "It's close," he said, wiping rain from his face. "Based on what we've seen, the bear should be right up ahead."

  Non remained silent, eyes scanning the terrain. He wasn't afraid of Logan attacking but if Logan ran, that'd be a problem.

  "This is it."

  Non nodded. "Begin."

  Tents and tarps went up quickly, meat soup simmered over open fmes. Animal traps were id throughout the area.

  Soon, the smell of cooked meat filled the woods.

  A massive shadow lumbered into view.

  "There!" Eddie cried out. "It's coming!"

  Non saw it too. "Open fire!"

  Thwip-thwip-thwip!

  Arrows and tranquillizers whistled through the air.

  The bear, drawn by the scent, staggered and let out a tortured roar. It turned to flee.

  "He's trying to run!"

  "He won't get far."

  Non exploded into motion legs pumping, body blurring as he unched forward like a missile.

  The trap was sprung.

  And somewhere, hidden in the dark...

  Logan was watching.

  ---

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